Beauty fades with time is a famous true saying. However we cannot let that happen when it is the matter of beauty of our skin. Hyperpigmentation is one of the effects of the time but with special care we can surely reduce it if not out rightly remove it. What is this special care that we need in order to fight off hyperpigmentation? Let’s find out but before that let’s see what this hyperpigmentation really is.
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation as the name indicates is a skin condition in which there is excess of a brown skin pigment known as melanin. Hyperpigmentation is also known as uneven skin tone or skin discoloration. This causes the skin to appear darker in some areas where melanin is in high quantity whereas lighter in other areas. Mainly this condition is marked with appearance of dark patches on the skin.
Causes of Hyperpigmentation
The causes of Hyperpigmentation are numerous and are still under speculation. Mostly it is caused by sun damage which as usually discussed is the root cause of many other skin disorders. Similarly skin inflammation is another cause of hyperpigmentation. Skin issues especially the ones associated with acne, eczema and dermatitis also lead to hyperpigmentation.
Melisma, a kind of pigmentation also leads to it as it is milder than the actual state of hyperpigmentation. It is common among pregnant women which points to the fact that hormonal changes are crucial to one’s skin getting pigmentation or not.
Also usually pregnant women and aging adults are prone to it. Allergic reaction to drugs especially anti-depressants also lead to pigmentation.
Types of hyperpigmentation
There are three main types of skin hyperpigmentation.
1. Age spots
Age spots is that type of hyperpigmentation that occurs on face, hands or on those parts of body which are likely to come in contact with the sun. This shows that age spots are caused due to exposure to ultraviolent solar radiations. It leaves brown or darkened spots on skin and is common among aged people.
2. Melasma
In this types of hyperpigmentation dark patches appear on the forehead, stomach or cheeks. This commonly occurs in pregnant women or in people with darker skin tone but its presence in pregnant women is very high compare to men, 10% of whom are only effected by this awful condition.
3. Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation
This kind of hyperpigmentation appears on the face and the neck. As the word “post” indicates this usually occurs as an after effect to eczema, acne or other skin diseases. So this means you get rid of acne and then this good for nothing condition arises. To deal with it controlling acne is central.
How to reduce hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is harmless however in the pursuit of getting a gorgeous skin it seem like a barrier. So in order to get rid of it there are a lot of natural and artificial procedures. The treatments most recommended for hyperpigmentation include:
Cosmetic therapy
There are a huge number of options in the cosmetic therapy in which the laser therapy tops the list. Laser therapy is used to treat many skin issues such as skin inflammation and elasticity etc, so it is only suitable to consider it while dealing with hyperpigmentation. Another suitable option is chemical peel. Chemical peels are also used to smooth the texture of the skin. In this respect it can prove very beneficial for treating. Other artificial treatments include microdermabrasion and intense pulse light therapy.
Artificial products
Some cosmetic products are also very impactful when it comes to reducing hyperpigmentation. This includes topical creams that are rich in Corticosteroids, azelaic acid, hydroquinone, kojic acid, vitamin C and retinoids. Using products full of these ingredients result in the decrease of hyperpigmentation.
Natural ingredients and home remedies
Hyperpigmentation can be easily avoided if we follow a proper skincare routine. Post occurrence of pigmentation or any sort of skin discoloration one can follow the below mentioned simple remedies to overcome it.
1. Green Tea
Green tea is magical when it comes to detoxifying our body. Just like that it is also helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation according to researches.
2. Aloe vera
The magical plant for skin Aloe Vera has yet the most benefits for the skin than any other natural ingredient. It contains an element known as alosin which helps lighten the dark patches from hyperpigmentation on the skin by reducing melanin. It is most beneficial for pregnant women who are often vulnerable to Melasma.
3. Apple vinegar cider
Acetic acid is a component of apple cider which helps lighten the skin pigmentation. Mixing it with water and applying on face helps even and lighten the skin tone.
4. Red onion
Red onion is very beneficial ingredient for skin and is used in many skin care products. As usual it is very helpful in fighting hyperpigmentation.
5. Tomato paste
Tomato paste also has acidic properties just like apple cider so it combats hyperpigmentation.
6. Milk
Milk is rich in lactic acid that helps reduces darker areas on the skin.
How to avoid Hyperpigmentation
As usual Prevention is better than cure. You must try to make your routine good enough as to avoid having skin pigmentation problems later on in life. You must include the following activities in your everyday schedule in order to save yourself from this hideous skin disorder.
- Avoid over exposure of sun rays
- We cannot stay indoors for all day but we can surely try to stay in shade and avoid sun in the peak hours if need to get away from pigmentation. Also apply sunscreen in required quantities.
- Do not pick at your skin. There are a lot of causes and reasons for skin damages to occur. But once you have skin damage do not out of any reason pick at your skin as it will not only scar it but also lead to pigmentation. So avoid it.
- Using certain anti-inflammatory skin activities. Inflammation is one of the major causes of hyperpigmentation. So try to use products to avoid inflammation too.
- Take care of skin after any skin damages occurs. Taking care of skin is integral and must be paid attention too.
Conclusion
As discussed earlier nothing can beat the impact of time as it is the way of nature but we can surely buy some time taking care of our skin so it can combat hyperpigmentation when the time comes.